Youth clubs decision needed

Shetland Association of Youth Clubs (SAYC) was at one time a successful and active association that supported the islands’ youth clubs in a variety of ways, as well as organising the popular annual sports competitions, art exhibition, youth concert, and other events.

It has not been active over the last few years, due mainly to changes in the structure of youth provision both locally and at national – Youth Scotland – level.

However, the association is still registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and, as such, needs to decide where its future lies.

Due to the current SIC funding cuts there will be a major exodus of youth work staff at the end of March.

SAYC acting treasurer Jenny Henry said: “We’re trying to arrange a meeting to decide whether to try and resurrect the association, or dissolve it. We need to do this while there are still enough people involved in the local youth work set-up to make a decision that’s in accordance with the constitution.

“For one reason and another, SAYC suffered a kind of ‘slow puncture’ and hasn’t seen any activity over the last three or four years.

“However, with the forthcoming changes to Shetland’s youth service provision, maybe this is the ideal time to resurrect SAYC; on the other hand, it could be time to call it a day and dissolve the association.

“Whatever’s decided, it must conform with the OSCR rules and regulations and also our constitution, so it’s important that anyone interested in SAYC’s future gets in touch so we can arrange a suitable time for an initial meeting.

“SAYC is open to representatives from all affiliated clubs [affiliated to Youth Scotland], whether voluntary or SIC-run, and management committees, and we need at least six clubs represented to be quorate at a meeting.”

Interested parties can email jenny.henry60@gmail.com or text 07787 344073, or talk to their area youth development worker.